Friday, June 8, 2012

Big portions await the hungry lunch-seeker who finds his way to Dugan’s Pub. The bar and restaurant has become a staple in the River Market District on the strength of a pleasant patio, a relaxed atmosphere and ample portions (cheese “sticks?” No, those are cheese “logs.”) They also have a respectable pour of Guinness as well as a good selection of whiskeys – always a must for any place that bills itself as an Irish pub.

One highlight from a recent lunch at Dugan’s: a bleu cheese burger ($8) that was gigantic and satisfying, with a crunchy, perfect onion ring that begs the question: why don’t all burgers come with an onion ring standard? This one had crumbled bleu cheese on top, as opposed to the type that has the cheese mixed in with the ground beef. Once you’ve experienced crunchy, caramelized goodness of the latter style it’s hard to go back, but the Dugan’s version was still very good. It came with a side of bleu cheese dressing that proved unnecessary, given the generous portion of cheese already on the burger.

A zucchini grinder ($7.25) was a flavorful, surprisingly filling sandwich that would please vegetarians and omnivores alike.

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